How to Take Advantage of Your Outdoor Spaces
August 1, 2021

Although backyards and outdoor spaces have always been an important part of a home, architect Kelly Johnson says that she has recently noticed an uptick in homeowners wanting to better utilize their outdoor spaces. According to an exclusive January 2021 survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association, people are doing more relaxing, grilling, gardening, exercising, dining, playing with pets and children, and entertaining outside. 


While some of this interest in the outdoors likely came out of necessity due to COVID, the end result is that outdoor spaces are finally getting the TLC they deserve.


PLAN AHEAD

If you are building or remodeling your home, Kelly says that it is important to think about your outdoor spaces from the very beginning. When designing and creating a backyard that fits your lifestyle, collaboration between your architect and landscape architect on your home's layout and placement on the property is essential. 


Making your outdoor spaces feel like an extension of your home is always the goal. Outdoors is no longer a separate space, but a continuation of the interior of the home. But how do you accomplish that? Some of our favorite solutions include:


  • Integrating patio covers into the roofline and home structure
  • Adding more windows
  • Including more doors to connect indoors and outdoors

Using materials for outdoor spaces (bbq areas, trellises, pergolas, etc.) that are used in the interior of the home can help the flow of the two areas and create a cohesive space. Kelly notes that, “French and multi-face doors that open up to your backyard are very effective in blurring the lines between your indoor and outdoor spaces.”

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS YEAR-ROUND

When it comes to optimizing outdoor areas, heating systems and proper outdoor lighting are critical. Outdoor heating systems such as fire pits and gas or electric heaters allow you to comfortably maximize time spent outdoors on cooler days and nights.


Incorporating additional structures like pergolas and structural trellises that provide additional shade are great for providing relief on warm, sunny days. These structures are also a great way to incorporate landscaping on multiple levels. 


THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE ADDS LIFE TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Landscaping (including more permanent hardscaping elements) are also important factors that will help you optimize your outdoor space and make it more inviting. Native plants that thrive in the local environment combined with low maintenance plants are great options for outdoor spaces. 


Hardscaping pieces such as pathways and seating walls are great for dividing outdoor spaces into separate areas. The combination of soft surfaces like grass with materials such as flagstone, decomposed granite, and wood decking creates an inviting area. These hard surfaces allow you to rearrange chairs and other outdoor furniture. 


Outdoor lighting attached to the home’s exterior or simple light fixtures that can be plugged in (like string lights) are great ways to make your outdoor space more appealing (and useful) while creating a whimsical and calming atmosphere.


OUTDOOR KITCHENS

Full outdoor kitchens, Kelly says, have also grown popular, particularly among homeowners who enjoy hosting and entertaining. Having a full kitchen with outside water and gas lines allows you to have everything you need in one place and avoids the need to trek back and forth from the house. 


If you choose to just build a BBQ area without water or gas lines, it’s important to think about placement. You may want to consider placing your BBQ area near an entryway or, even better, near the interior kitchen for convenience.


Along with backyards, people are starting to utilize their porches and front yards more. They not only want the front of their homes to be inviting and aesthetically pleasing, but they want them to be another area where they can enjoy and spend time outdoors.


OUTDOOR SPACES WILL TRANSFORM YOUR HOME

In short, building up your outdoor space not only adds value to your home, but also expands your living space, encourages entertaining, and creates an outdoor getaway for relaxation. 


When you’re ready to start the remodeling process, consider reaching out to the Supple Homes team. We specialize in remodels and new construction of luxury homes in the Bay area.


Contact Us

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